A Journey with Migratory Birds: A Learning Event for the Youth

The Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCPW) in partnership with National Geographic – Asia and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) is hosting a learning event for the Youth on the journey of migratory birds through the flyway on 05 October 2018 at the Summit Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila, Philippines. This Learning Event is designed to provide an opportunity for the Youth to learn about migratory birds through lectures and field visit at the Las Piñas – Parañaque Wetland Park (Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area or LPPCHEA) and the importance of the LPPCHEA as a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) and a potential Flyway Network Site.

The event will be attended by about 100 High School students and other Youth groups from around Manila Bay and nearby areas. The lectures will discuss the journey of the migratory birds from up North (Alaska), to their major pit stops (Philippines and Myanmar) and to their destination down under (Australia). The students will then proceed to Las Piñas – Parañaque Wetland Park to observe some migratory birds in their natural habitat. They will also experience trekking in an urban wetland which is designated as a Ramsar Site or a “Wetland of International Importance”.

Senator Cynthia A. Villar, the primary advocate of wetland conservation in the country particularly LPPCHEA will deliver the Keynote Speech. The importance of protecting migratory birds will also be the message from other key personalities including Mr. Jay Lee, Executive Director of National Geographic –Asia, Dr. Lew Young, Chief Executive of the EAAF, Mr. Suh Seung Oh Executive Director of Ramsar Regional Center – East Asia, DENR-NCR Assistant Regional Director Gwendolyn Bambalan and Biodiversity Management Bureau Assistant Director Armida Andres. Other speakers are Casey Burns from Alaska, USA; Pyae Phyo Aung (Myanmar); Adrian Constantino (Philippines) and Sharon Meredith (Alaska). Dr. Neil Aldrin Mallari will also talk about the work on National Geographic Society in the Philippines. The event is also supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – National Capital Region and Biodiversity Management Bureau.